Date Added: November 14, 2007 11:23:26 AM

Want your little girl's hair to grow long? If you dream of your daughter having long flowing hair, there are easy ways to accomplish this right from the start! Early cutting mistakes can hinder the accumulation of length so follow these easy steps.

Baby Hair

The hair of a baby is very fine and very fragile. It is easily worn off the back of the head just from laying in the crib. This is one reason you need to be very gentle (and patient!) Only use a soft baby brush or comb. Never use an adult brush on the babies head as it can damage the scalp and break off the hair easily. If cradle cap is a problem, use oils specifically to soften the affected area for easy removal. Never pick it off as this causes sores on the head and hair could come out as well.

Cleansing

Children's hair needs cleansing and conditioning regularly. No tears products are important to reduce trauma that may be associated with washing. There are a many products specially formulated for children's hair and more are arriving every day! Be sure to wet down hair thoroughly and apply conditioner before swimming in chlorinated pools to prevent damage. When washing and conditioning, use a conditioner that is lightweight on the hair but avoid the scalp. Sea Critters makes a great leave in detangler for kids!

Trims

Trim the hair first at about a year.Hair grows by about one half inch per month and grows at a faster rate in the spring and summer than in autumn and winter. Even if there isn't much hair there, just have the very tips trimmed by a stylist. The tips are a different texture since they were the first to grow from the scalp. After that about every 6-8 months will do. Only the very ends at this time. Don't worry about any particular style and getting the hair all one length - that will come later. Do not cut bangs into the hair! Once hair reaches the collar, it can be evened up around the perimeter into a bob. From there minimum maintenance is required to keep it growing.

The Problem with Bangs

Cutting in bangs will cause problems as the hair becomes longer. Hair tends to have a natural growth pattern of straight forward on young children. Don't be tempted to cut bangs to "keep it out of the eyes" because the hair in her eyes will eventually cover her ears. How often do you see children with the back long and the sides thin and short? This is because bangs were cut. Don't even do it once because they become more difficult to grow out as the hair texture changes.

Styling while growing hair out

Use only terry cloth pony tail holders on the hair. They don't hold as well as bands, but this fragile hair can show breakage easily from other types of pony tail holders. While the front and top are growing out, gather the hair into a topknot. It can be off to the side, straight up, or adorned with ribbons and bows. It's cute!

You will have fun styling your little girls hair when it gets some length to it! Check out the internet to learn styling and braiding techniques. Soon the time will come when she will decide herself how long she wants her hair!

You can request advice on children's hair products and styling from http://www.SpiralHaircase.com